UK Study Highlights Dangers of AI-Driven 'Intention Economy'
AI-driven technologies are recreating the “intention economy,” with Cambridge researchers warning of their potential to manipulate consumer and political decisions on an unprecedented scale.
It casts light on a shifting intersection of technology and psychology, where AI exploits user preferences, behavior, and communication styles to exert influence. Unlike traditional advertising, AI intention economy systems use subtle, personalized tactics, blurring lines between assistance and manipulation.
As these instruments gain citizens’ trust, their potential to influence choices underlines an imperative need for ethical public discourse and regulatory frameworks in this uncharted territory.
Persuasive Technology
A new marketplace powered by a new generation of Advanced Large Language Models is surfacing, enabling AI to respond even better and adapt to users’ cadence, preference, online history, and even political leanings. With such insights, the intention economy of AI could nudge users toward specific products, platforms, or political candidates.
The study details how personal data ownership, chatbots and digital assistants are conversational AI, slowly gaining the trust of people and becoming more intuitive at guessing desires and manipulating them. Co-author Jonnie Penn warns, though, that this will result in “social manipulation on an industrial scale” if left unregulated.
“The intention economy will treat your motivations as the new currency,” Penn added, stating, “it is in relation to public awareness that abuse may be prevented.”
Intention Economy Oversight
The paper points out that such an unregulated customer first approach in the market is a potential danger to free elections, free journalism, and fair market competition. The researchers believe proactive regulation is required to stop AI from becoming a tool for mass manipulation.
As Penn says, “We should begin to consider what the likely consequences of such a marketplace will be for humanity before we are its hapless victims.”
The study on intention economy sums the intention economy when customers take charge emphasizing that the only way these transformative technologies could be ethical is through widespread public awareness, accountability measures. Along with the integration of ethical guidelines that prioritize human welfare over unchecked technological growth.
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